Sussex police chief Paul Whitehouse found himself thrust into frontline action when he came across a car crash.

The chief constable donned a reflective jacket and took control of the scene after yesterday's prang at the Lewes Prison crossroads.

Mr Whitehouse leapt into action when he heard about the crash involving a French-registered Citroen AX on his police radio as he drove through the town.

He realised he was the nearest officer to the incident and dashed to the scene of the evening rush-hour crash.

He ensured the woman driver of the Citroen was not badly hurt and directed motorists around the vehicle while waiting for assistance from traffic officers.

The woman driver was not seriously injured in the incident and did not require immediate medical attention.

A police spokesman said: "The chief constable marked himself out as the officer in charge.

"It is his duty as a constable - if he sees a situation that requires police attention, he attends to it.

"It is fairly typical of the man. He enjoys the hands-on aspect of the job."